Drug dealer who entered UK in breach of deportation order jailed after 51 wraps of cocaine found in car in Northampton village

Bashkim Bushati, of Victoria Promenade, appeared at Northampton Crown Court for sentencing on May 29, after he previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply a controlled Class A drug (cocaine) and knowingly entering the UK in breach of a deportation on what should have been the first day of his trial.

The 48-year-old was arrested after officers came across a blue BWM 3 Series car linked to the supply of drugs, parked in Northampton Road, Harpole on the afternoon of March 25, this year.

During a search, officers seized £395 from Bushati along with a mobile phone. A total of 51 individual wraps of Class A drugs were found in the pocket of the driver’s door.

According to police, in his interview, Bushati denied all knowledge of the drugs, stating that he did not deal and claimed that the car belonged to a friend. He also told officers that he had been paid cash in hand for working at a car wash in Milton Keynes.

Lead investigator PC Katharine Wood, of CID West, said: “We know that drug harm remains one of the biggest concerns within our local communities, and I hope this case provides reassurance that we are continuing to work hard to disrupt the supply of drugs and bring people like Bushati to justice.

“I am glad to see that the courts have also recognised the harm that drug supply can have in our county and that this sentence provides some reassurance for the residents of Harpole and the wider community.”

Bushati was sentenced to five years and six months in prison and ordered to pay a £228 surcharge upon his release. A forfeiture and destruction order was also made to destroy the drugs and mobile phone.

If you have concerns about drug dealing in your community, you are urged to report it to Northamptonshire Police on 101, online at www.northants.police.uk/ro or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.